1981 BMW 525 vs. 1990 Ford Orion
To start off, 1990 Ford Orion is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 525 (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1990 Ford Orion. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1990 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 525 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 525. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Ford Orion, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1981 BMW 525 (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Orion. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 525 | 1990 Ford Orion | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | 525 | Orion |
Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1753 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 59 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 215 Nm | 110 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1065 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4240 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |